Jeff Beck - New Theatre, Oxford, 17/5/2014
by Nick Dent-Robinson
published: 6 / 6 / 2014
intro
Nick Dent-Robinson watches former Yardbird guitarist Jeff Beck, who is seventy this year, play a dynamic set at the New Theatre in Oxford
As he approaches his 70th birthday, Jeff Beck is hugely busy. Having played arenas recently with Eric Clapton - another of the Yardbirds' “holy trinity” - Beck has been performing with ex-Beach Boy Brian Wilson, an experience that was not always fun, fun, fun - apparently. And soon Beck is heading to the USA to tour through the summer months with ZZ Top. So, Oxford audiences were lucky to get the chance to see Jeff Beck play live at the town's New Theatre on Saturday 17th May. 'Rolling Stone' magazine put Beck fifth in their list of the world's greatest guitarists, but I wonder whether anyone could actually have surpassed his technical brilliance at Oxford. Beck has in the past said he admired Richard Thompson, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Joe Brown, Robbie Robertson, Alvin Lee and Hank Marvin - though all in quite different ways – and he always makes it clear that because styles and genres vary so much, he sees such comparisons as meaningless. Which is probably true. But, having been lucky enough to see Jeff Beck's Oxford performance, I can certainly confirm he appears to have lost none of his skill or huge energy. It was a beautifully paced set which allowed one time to wonder at the way Beck can display so much power and delicacy, tone and melody, light and shade in a single song. It really was a master class. Highlights included Beck's take on 'Danny Boy', a pretty and tender version of Hendrix's 'Little Wing', a powerful performance of 'Rollin' and Tumblin' as well as a majestic cover of the Beatles' 'A Day in the Life' – possibly as a tribute to George Martin who oversaw production of Beck's 'Blow by Blow' album. Powerful percussive support came from Jonathan Joseph (who is the husband of Joss Stone's mum, for those who wish to know about such things), and there was also the talented bassist and vocalist Rhonda Smith who has toured extensively with Prince. Jeff Beck never sold as many records as Eric Clapton (or the Stones or even Abba!), but he is without question as fine a guitarist as most of us are likely ever to see. The auditorium was packed – and there were several household names from the music world in attendance. But it is sad there were so few young people there. There are many great musicians they will never have a chance to see playing live – like Hendrix or Harrison or Duane Allman. But here was an opportunity to relish the superb artistry of Jeff Beck which still seems remarkable unfaded.
Also at New Theatre, Oxford
Band Links:-
http://www.jeffbeck.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Beck
Picture Gallery:-
profiles |
1944-2023 (2023) |
Nick Dent-Robinson pays tribute to guitar legend Jeff Beck, who died in January at the age of 78. |
reviews |
Rock 'n' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul (2011) |
Fantastic live collection of rock 'n' roll covers recorded in New York City by guitarist Jeff Beck |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
previous editions
Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down the StairsWorld Party - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Ain't That Always The Way - Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
World Party - Interview with Karl Wallinger
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Steve Harley - Interview
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Prisoners - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart